Copenhagen travel guide
Copenhagen is a bike-friendly harbour city of colourful canal houses, royal palaces, design shops and a celebrated food scene, with the historic Tivoli Gardens at its heart.
Best time to visit Copenhagen
May to September brings long daylight hours and outdoor life along the harbour; it is the busiest period.
Winter is cold and dark, but Tivoli and the Christmas markets light up the city from mid-November.
Getting to Copenhagen
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is only about 15 minutes from the centre by metro or train. There are direct flights from several US cities.
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found recently. Tap a route to see that trip and today's price on Aviasales.
Getting around
Metro, trains and buses
The driverless metro runs around the clock. Tickets cover zones; the DOT Tickets app or a travel card make it easy.
By bike
Cycling is the local way to get around, with wide bike lanes everywhere; rent a bike or use a city bike-share.
Top things to do in Copenhagen
1. Nyhavn
The 17th-century canal lined with colourful townhouses, cafés and wooden ships; canal tours leave from here.
See tours & prices ›2. Tivoli Gardens
One of the world's oldest amusement parks, opened in 1843, with gardens, rides and concerts. It opens seasonally.
See tours & prices ›3. Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg
A Renaissance castle with the crown jewels, and the royal residence where the guard changes daily at noon.
See tours & prices ›4. Day trip to Kronborg or Roskilde
Hamlet's castle at Helsingør, or the Viking Ship Museum and cathedral in Roskilde.
See tours & prices ›Practical tips
- Never walk in the bike lanes; they are busy and cyclists move fast.
- Denmark is largely cashless; cards and phones are accepted almost everywhere.
- Check Tivoli's opening dates; it closes between seasons.
Copenhagen travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Copenhagen?
Two to three days covers the main sights. Add a day for Kronborg, Roskilde or a trip across the bridge to Malmö, Sweden.
Is Copenhagen walkable?
Yes; the centre is compact, and bikes and the metro cover longer distances.
How do you get from Copenhagen airport to the city?
The metro M2 line or a train reaches the centre in about 15 minutes.